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Warning as thieves target keyless entry cars

Police have released CCTV as a warning to car owners after a number of thefts of keyless entry vehicles across the county.

The incident captured, happened at approximately 12.50am on Friday 9 February 2018 where a vehicle parked at an address on Sandy Lane in Taverham was stolen. The Lexus RX, index SL13XOX, remains unaccounted for and the investigation is ongoing.

Sergeant Toby Gosden said: “Norfolk is seeing a steady rise in the number of high value vehicle thefts which use a keyless entry system. Criminals are exploiting the vulnerabilities of keyless entry system using pairs of radio transmitters by capturing the signal from the car’s fob. Keyless entry are those that allow drivers to open and start the vehicle without even touching the fob or even removing it from their pocket.

Keyless entry systems on cars offer convenience to drivers, but can in some situations be exploited by criminals. Concerned drivers should contact their dealer for information and guidance, and follow our simple security steps:

Contact your dealer and talk about the digital features in your car. Have there been any software updates you can take advantage of?

Check if your keyless entry fob can be turned off. If it can, and your dealer can also confirm this, then do so overnight.

Store your keys away from household entry points and windows. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough – thieves only need to gain proximity to the key to amplify the signal. Drivers are also being urged to keep both sets of keys in a faraday cage or pouch which blocks the signal from the fob.

Be vigilant. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood – and report anything unusual to the Police.